Greg Rutherford: Long jump world champion out of Anniversary Games with ankle injury

Greg Rutherford won gold at London 2012 before taking a bronze medal at Rio 2016

British long jumper Greg Rutherford has withdrawn from Sunday's Anniversary Games in London with an ankle injury but hopes to compete in the World Championships in August.

The reigning world, European and Commonwealth champion suffered an ankle problem competing in Italy in May.

"Obviously this isn't ideal, but I am doing everything to give myself the best chance of success at the World Championships in London," he said.

Rutherford missed the British trials.

He was one of many high-profile absentees last weekend.

Rutherford, who has only competed twice all season, is looking to defend his long jump world title at the 2017 Worlds which run from 4-13 August.

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"After some really excellent training this year, the start to the season has been riddled with a series of troublesome injuries, most recently a problem with an ankle ligament," he added.

"As a result, I am absolutely gutted to say that I am unable to compete at the Anniversary Games this weekend - one of the greatest events in our sport."